Users of this web resource are warned that it may contain images and/or references to deceased people, which could cause distress or sadness particularly for some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The resource may also contain words and descriptions that could be culturally sensitive and which might not normally be used in public or community contexts. For example, some information may be considered appropriate for viewing only by men or only by women. The HealthInfoNet respects such culturally sensitive issues, but, for technical reasons, it has not been possible to provide materials in a way that prevents access by a person of the other gender. Users are asked to respect this cultural protocol.

Healing Foundation (2015)

Marlee's Mob - a comic about Intergenerational trauma.

This comic demonstrates the effects of intergenerational trauma on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities. The story shows the flow-on effects of the trauma resulting from past government policies and its impact on communities today.

The comic is designed to help individuals and communities experiencing intergenerational trauma to better understand the issues facing them and open the channels of communication. It aims to show people the steps they can take to begin the healing process.

This resource was developed by Inception Strategies and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation.

Rule J, Rice E (2015)

Bringing them home: scorecard report 2015.

Canberra: National Sorry Day Committee

This report outlines the current status of the 54 recommendations made by the Bringing them home (BTH) report, written in 1997.

The BTH report documented the grief and loss experienced by the Stolen Generations; its recommendations were designed to ensure that there was a clear pathway for making reparations, and that the removals policies would not be repeated.

This report includes recent research and consultation on current issues of concern to Stolen Generations, and recommendations on how the existing BTH recommendations can be implemented in full, in the current environment.

2014

Dudgeon P, Milroy H, Walker R, eds. (2014)

Canberra: Department of The Prime Minister and Cabinet

This book was developed as an information source for health professionals working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with social and emotional wellbeing issues. The book contains comprehensive and culturally appropriate information to educate and assist health professionals who work with Indigenous clients.

The book is divided into six parts:

history and contexts

issues and influences

standards, principles and practice

assessment and management

working with children, families and communities

healing models and programs.

Many of the book chapters were authored by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Indigenous artwork features throughout the book.

Atkinson J (2013)

Trauma-informed services and trauma-specific care for Indigenous Australian children.

Canberra: Closing the Gap Clearinghouse

This report provides comprehensive information on trauma in Indigenous Australian children. It examines the effects of trauma while also providing an overview of recent government initiatives implemented to address the negative consequences of trauma exposure in childhood and adulthood. The report also describes the delivery of trauma-informed services and trauma-specific care. Complementing the information in this report is the inclusion of an appendices containing lists of relevant publications and resources.

Closing the Gap Clearinghouse (2013)

Strategies and practices for promoting the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Canberra: Closing the Gap Clearinghouse

This paper provides information on programs developed to promote social and emotional wellbeing and prevent mental illness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. The paper identifies national initiatives, Indigenous specific programs, and non-Indigenous specific programs and reports on the efficacy of these programs in enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A summary of the findings is also provided highlighting the elements of effective and ineffective SEWB programs, and the areas that require further investigation.

Validation and enhancement of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychiatric hospitalisation statistics through an Indigenous Mental Health Worker register.

Rural and Remote Health; 12: 2002

Retrieved 4 February 2013 from http://www.rrh.org.au/articles/showarticlenew.asp?ArticleID=2002

This study examined the use of an Indigenous Mental Health Worker Register to assess the level of correct identification of Indigenous status and sources of error among psychiatric admissions within a regional public hospital information system. Inaccuracy in identification of Indigenous status on health records hampers collection of the good quality data required to guide policies, programs and services.

Healing Foundation (2013)

Growing our children up strong and deadly : healing for children and young people.

Canberra: Healing Foundation

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the trauma experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people by past government policies must be addressed if the resulting negative behaviours are to be circumvented (for example, alcohol and other drug misuse, criminal behaviour). Recognising the importance of healing in the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, this paper reports on the work of the Healing Foundation in creating a healing environment for the younger generation. This paper also includes a discussion on intergenerational trauma, and the emerging evidence of what works in addressing trauma in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.

Healing Foundation annual report 2011-2012.

Canberra: Healing Foundation

Holland C, Dudgeon P, Milroy H (2013)

The mental health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families and communities.

Canberra: National Mental Health Commission

This comprehensive paper provides great insight into the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It builds on the information contained in A contributing life: the 2012 national report on mental health and suicide prevention by exploring more broadly the story of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the multitude of factors that impact on the mental health and wellbeing of this population. The paper is presented in three parts, with Part 1 providing an overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' mental health and social and emotional wellbeing. Part 2 reports on the unmet need for social and emotional wellbeing and mental health services and programs, and Part 3 focuses on national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and mental health policy.

This Overview draws on statistics and other published and unpublished materials to provide up-to-date, detailed information about the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in 2012. It highlights a number of improvements in certain aspects of Indigenous health, but underlines that ongoing work is needed to 'close the gap' in health status between Indigenous and other Australians.

The National Empowerment Project Toomelah.

Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia

National Mental Health Commission (2013)

A contributing life: the 2013 national report card on mental health and suicide prevention.

Sydney: National Mental Health Commission

This second annual report card from the National Mental Health Commission on mental health and suicide prevention in Australia builds upon the first report card A contributing life: the 2012 national report card on mental health and suicide prevention.

The report is divided into the following chapters:

letters to the Prime Minister

reporting back and looking forward

thriving, not just surviving

maintaining connections with family, friends and culture

ensuring effective care, support and treatment

something meaningful to do

feeling safe, stable and secure

preventing suicide.

This report includes eight new recommendations which build upon the 10 existing recommendations from the 2012 report. These recommendations are aimed at achieving the best possible health and wellbeing for all Australians.

Taylor J (2013)

Canberra: Carers Australia

The purpose of this report was to address the apparent lack of information pertaining to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers. In reviewing Australian and international literature, this report sought to elucidate the caregiving experience of unpaid Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers - those providing assistance to a family member or friend with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue, or who are frail aged. This report provides information specific to the lived experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers, and the barriers such carers encounter in accessing services. The report also identifies ways to better enable support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers.

Mental Health Council of Australia (2012)

Recognition and respect: mental health carers report 2012.

Deakin, ACT: Mental Health Council of Australia

This report provides insight into the lived experience of people who care for someone with a mental illness. It documents the findings of a survey that was distributed to mental health carers in 2011-2012 by the Mental Health Council of Australia. The survey findings have been categorised according to similarity and include: the need to recognise and respect the important contribution that carers make to the lives of people with mental illness; the carers' perspective on the services and support available to them; the carers' views of the services and support available to consumers; and the experiences of young carers, culturally and linguistically diverse carers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers. Detailed information is provided for each of the major findings, with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carer section focusing on: cultural issues; services and support for Aboriginal carers; financial burdens; respite services; housing; stigma and discrimination; services and support for Aboriginal consumers; and workforce issues.

National Mental Health Commission (2012)

A contributing life: the 2012 national report card on mental health and suicide prevention.

Sydney: National Mental Health Commission

This report is the first national report card into mental health and suicide prevention in Australia. It is the product of an independent review of mental health, which involved extensive consultations with, and contributions from, people with a lived experience of mental health issues, their family and supporters, and those working in the field in varying capacities. The report card is divided into chapters, with each chapter focusing on a particular issue, such as the emotional and social wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The chapters include information, assessment, and commentary on how the nation is faring in relation to each issue, the progress made, and the improvements required. Incorporated into the report card are the personal stories of those affected by mental health difficulties to highlight the current circumstances of people living with mental health difficulties. The report card culminates in 10 recommendations which point to areas where real action is needed to ensure those with mental health difficulties live a contributing life.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples overcoming cycles of disadvantage for a contributing life.

This section of the A contributing life report provides information on the mental health, and the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This section of the report includes data, the personal stories of two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by mental health difficulties, and the fictional story of a young boy that details his journey from early life to adulthood. It acknowledges the diversity that exists within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population while also providing insight into some of the mental health challenges encountered by Indigenous peoples, and the improvements needed to service delivery. This report section forms part of a larger document that is the first national report card into mental health and suicide prevention in Australia. The report card is the product of an independent review of mental health, which involved extensive consultations with, and contributions from, people with a lived experience of mental health issues, their family and supporters, and those working in the field in varying capacities. Included in the report card are sections dedicated to selected issues within the mental health field, as well as 10 recommendations which point to areas where real action is needed to ensure those with mental health difficulties live a contributing life.

Stolen Generations' Testimonies Foundation (2012)

Stolen Generations' testimonies [audiovisuals].

This website records the experiences of the survivors of the Stolen generations. It was launched on the fourth anniversary of the National apology to Indigenous Australians. The website gives members an opportunity to share their stories and to engage in the healing process. It also allows others to understand the pain and suffering of individuals, families and communities affected by past government policies.

Vivian A, Pries T (2012)

Sydney: Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, University of Technology

This report provides details of qualitative research undertaken to explore Indigenous offending in the communities of Kempsey and Gunnedah in New South Wales. For each community, it provides details about:

Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (2011)

This is the third report developed under the auspice of the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council to measure progress against the National strategic framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health as well as the more recent measures introduced under Closing the gap national partnerships.

The performance framework reports on the three tiers of health:

health status and outcomes: this includes measures of prevalence of disease or injury, human function, life expectancy and wellbeing

measures of the health determinants: this includes socioeconomic status, environmental factors and health behaviours

health system performance: this includes effectiveness, responsiveness, accessibility and sustainability.

Major findings of the report include:

a significant decline in Indigenous deaths due to avoidable causes

narrowing of the mortality gap

reduction in infant mortality

chronic diseases are a continuing concern, contributing to two thirds of the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians

there were slight reductions in literacy and numeracy gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students

risky behaviours, such as smoking and lack of physical activity, were continuing concerns among Indigenous people

access to, and utilisation of medical services is less than expected given higher levels of illness

access to medical services is more difficult in remote than non-remote areas.

Hampshire WJ (2011)

Doctor of Philosophy thesis, Southern Cross University: Lismore, NSW

The study has documented the beliefs, values and opinions related to the experience of grief and loss. The study has also highlighted the meaning of grief for participants, (which is much broader than the meaning of grief for non-Aboriginal people) and the study has shown that the community involved has a unique history, which shapes the current experience of grief. Therefore culturally safe health care would include this experience. The study has confirmed that Aboriginal people who participated hold strong beliefs and practice rituals in relation to death, dying, loss and grief.

Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision (2011)

Overcoming Indigenous disadvantage: key indicators 2011.

Canberra: Productivity Commission, Australia

This report is the fifth in a series of reports on overcoming Indigenous disadvantage as commissioned by the heads of government in 2002. It has been produced in consultation with Indigenous peoples, governments, academics and service providers. The report measures the progress of the six targets set by the Council of Australian Governments Closing the gap strategy, together with other identified significant indicators. The report has three main sections:

an overview of the key messages

the main report which provides the evidence base for the framework for the report and detailed information on the current outcomes and those interventions and policies that have enhanced those outcomes

Research: targeted research in depression, anxiety and related disorders 2007-2010.

Canberra: beyondblue

Australian Child & Adolescent Trauma Loss & Grief Network (2010)

Trauma, loss and grief for Aboriginal children.

: Australian Child & Adolescent Trauma, Loss & Grief Network, ANU

These videos feature interviews with professionals in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing discussing trauma, loss and grief for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The people interviewed were members of the Footprints in time steering committee.

The interviews ask the questions:

what do we really need to know about trauma, loss and grief?

how do we make sure our children are able to better cope with diversity?

how does unresolved grief affect our children's futures?

what are, or aren't our systems doing to support our children?

These interviews were produced by the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network at the Australian National University.

Abstract adapted from the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network

Bringing Them Home Oral History Project (2010)

Bringing Them Home oral history interviews.

: National Library of Australia

The project arises from the Commonwealth Government response to the recommendations of Bringing them home: The report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families, which reported to the Federal Parliament in 1998. The aim of the project was to record the diverse experiences of people directly affected by the separation of Indigenous children and shed light on the legislative and policy mechanism which shaped the policies of forced removal.

There are 340 interviews in the collection, conducted primarily with families and children with direct experience of forced removal, as well as with those who worked with the children in institutions, who cared for them and were involved with policy, administration and implementation.

Access conditions to the 736 tapes vary. Summaries and transcripts are generally available

Dingwall KM, Cairney S (2010)

Psychological and cognitive assessment of Indigenous Australians.

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry; 44(1): 20-30

This article provides an evaluation of the psychological and cognitive assessments considered suitable for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The article presents a review of various psychological, mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, and cognitive assessments that have been used in, or developed for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Purdie N, Dudgeon P, Walker R, eds. (2010)

Canberra: Department of Health and Ageing

This book was developed as an information source for health professionals working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with social and emotional wellbeing and alcohol and other drug use issues. The book contains comprehensive, culturally appropriate information to educate and assist health professionals who work with Indigenous clients.

South Australian Department of Health (2010)

Adult community mental health services: model of care.

Adelaide: South Australian Department of Health

The Adult community mental health services: model of care was developed as part of the need to review policy and advise on the redesign and improvement of South Australia's mental health system.

The model of care describes the service level principles and processes that inform, underpin, and direct the provision of community mental health services to adults aged 18-64 years across the Adelaide metropolitan health regions. The document is not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander specific but does include information on Indigenous mental health.

The Adult community mental health services: model of care is intended for usein conjunction with the South Australian mental health and wellbeing policy 2010-2015and may be of use as a reference for mental health workers.

Statewide Service Strategy Division (2010)

Aboriginal health care plan 2010-2016.

Adelaide: Department of Health, South Australia

The Aboriginal health care plan 2010-2016 has been developed by SA Health as part of a significant health reform led by the South Australian Government. It aims to:

outline ways to reduce ill health among South Australian Aboriginal people

promote cultural responsiveness in the health system

promote Aboriginal community health and wellbeing

Aiming for an achievement of these overarching goals, the plan:

describes the demographic and major health issues for Aboriginal South Australians and variations across the state

outlines a model comprising six key areas: supporting good health; stronger primary health care; better care for those with high needs; an integrated and collaborative approach to the planning and delivery of services and programs, a focus on priorities; enablers for action

identifies six priorities for action based on the burden of disease and population profile

Thackrah R, Scott K, Winch J, eds. (2010)

Indigenous Australian health and cultures : an introduction for health professionals.

Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.: Pearson Australia

This edited volume has been written by a diverse group of health professionals, the majority of whom are Indigenous Australians. A life cycle approach has been adopted, with chapters focusing on pregnancy and birthing through to the care and responsibilities of the elderly. These are bookended by the first chapter on 'Culture, history and health' which contextualises the subsequent content and the final chapter on future directions following the National apology.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2009)

Measuring the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

This report provides a picture of the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous Australians, using data from the 2004-05 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS) and a range of administrative datasets. An interim module, developed to measure social and emotional wellbeing in the 2004-05 NATSIHS, covered the areas of psychological distress, impact of psychological distress, positive wellbeing, anger, life stressors, discrimination, cultural identification and removal from natural family. This reports assesses the use of the NATSIHS module and makes recommendations to improve the module and other measures of Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing.

Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Queensland (2009)

Key directions for a social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing population health framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in Queensland.

Cairns, Qld: Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Queensland

This report aims to inform policy, program development and practice regarding key directions for the development of a social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing framework relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in Queensland. The report provides a rationale for focusing on social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing (SESWB) as a way to promote Indigenous health and wellbeing and reduce Indigenous disadvantage.

Three key directions for future investment are described: build evidence, enhance capacity and develop workforce. The report sets out a rationale, examples of current initiatives, and recommended actions for each key direction.

Yia Marra: good stories that make spirits strong, from the people of Ntaria/Hermannsburg [CD included with publication] (2009)

Denborough D, Wingard B, White C

This resource pack includes a publication and CD which are the product of a research project that involved Aboriginal communities sharing their stories about how they have dealt with community hardships. The publication is made up of two parts:

part one includes stories from the Ntaria/Hermannsburg community about how they have dealt with community hardships such as grief and alcohol

part two explains the principles that guided the research project and also discusses the concept of collective narrative practice (a way of working with individuals, groups, and communities who have experienced trauma).

The CD includes stories and songs from the Ntaria/Hermannsburg community, and messages from other countries such as Chile and Norway.

Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia

Department of Health and Ageing (2009)

Service activity reporting: Bringing Them Home and Link Up counsellors 2007-08.

Canberra: Australian Department of Health and Ageing

This report presents the findings from the service level data collected from Bringing Them Home (BTH) services and Link Up Counsellors. The information collected includes: the number of clients; episodes of care provided; service resources; staffing profiles; and the range of activities undertaken by the services. In 2007-08, 76 services had BTH and Link Up funded counsellor positions. The counsellors saw 9,190 clients during this year, with a total of 38,700 client contacts.

Protocols for the delivery of social and emotional well being and mental health services in Indigenous communities: guidelines for health workers, clinicians, consumers and carers.

This manual was written to provide health professionals with a set of rules for the delivery of mental health services in Indigenous communities in Queensland. The information comes from evidence-based research and addresses the lack of resources available to health professionals on best practice standards for providing mental health care to Indigenous clients.

The manual consists of two parts:

Part 1 focuses on understanding and supporting social and emotional wellbeing and mental health with Indigenous peoples, covering topics such as:

an overview on mental health

culturally appropriate mental health assessment and treatment for Indigenous people

new approaches to service delivery

practitioner tools and mental health care

Part 2 provides guidelines for supporting people with the following mental illnesses:

Kraemer S, Gately N, Kessell J (2009)

Perth: Edith Cowan University, School of Law & Justice

This report details findings from the Health of Prisoner Evaluation (HoPE) pilot project that sought to investigate prisoner health in Western Australia. The impetus for this project was the recognition of the lack of national data reporting on the health of Australian prisoners. The project involved administering a health questionnaire to Indigenous and non-Indigenous male and female prisoners in Western Australia. The data generated from the questionnaire provides preliminary information on prisoner health trends in the following areas: physical health; mental health; addictive behaviours; illicit drugs; contact with families; sexual history and sexual health; tattooing; and body piercing. The report compares the results of the study with information about the general population, but also evaluates the differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous prisoners, and male and female respondents. This pilot study aimed to create a way for a standardised program of health checks to be introduced into WA prisons and ultimately for all Australian prisons.

Mindframe Media and Mental Health Project (2009)

Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing

This report was produced as a guide for media professionals when reporting on suicide and mental illness. The information in the report aims to educate media professionals on how to report on mental health issues in a responsible and appropriate way. The report covers topics such as:

the impact of media reporting

issues to consider when reporting suicide

information and research on suicide

issues to consider when reporting on mental illness

information and research on mental illness

mental illness definitions

contacts for further information and expert comment.

The report is aimed at all Australian media organisations and professionals and as such, does not include information specific to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.

Ranzijn R, McConnochie K, Nolan W (2009)

South Yarra, Vic: Palgrave Macmillan

This book provides information on the psychological impact of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It begins by looking at the nature of culture, how colonisation has affected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the role of psychology. It finishes by describing how practitioners can work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Stolen Generations Victoria (2009)

Between two worlds: a guide to understanding the Stolen Generations.

Melbourne: Stolen Generations Victoria

This report was written to educate non-Aboriginal service providers about the challenges faced by members of the Stolen generations. It contains information on the history of the Stolen generations and advice on the correct practice for working with members of the Stolen generations. The chapters cover a range of related topics, such as 'Acting white, feeling black' and 'Facing the challenges'.